2006-12-13 10:30:59 · 12 answers · asked by Daredevil 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
because the earth is rotating from west to east and you can use this speed to launch something into orbit.
Linear speed of the earth at Cape canaveral is nearly 1200 km/h considering the latitude.
2006-12-13 10:35:05 · answer #1 · answered by scientific_boy3434 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So they begin their travel over the Atlantic ocean with less risk for our cities in case of an accident before they reach their orbital altitude.
Also, traveling East they benefit from the rotational speed of the Earth, which reduces the amount of fuel needed to reach their orbit.
2006-12-13 10:49:11 · answer #2 · answered by PragmaticAlien 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The gravitational force between the earth and other planets differs. Hence the shuttle launch is always from west to east. so that they wont mis-launch.
2006-12-14 16:38:00 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
theoretically you can start off in any direction but since earth rotation gives an additional momentum in eastern direction this is used to save fuel and as a result of it weight.
Its simply the most efficient way.
another reason is that if you want to establish an orbit around earth you need to travel eastward for compensating the drag of gravitation with speed (imagine a bucket with water you whirl around with your arms)
starting in any other direction would need much much more energy and establishing an orbit is nearly impossible.
2006-12-13 10:55:26 · answer #4 · answered by blondnirvana 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Corriolis Effect.
2006-12-13 10:33:24 · answer #5 · answered by Bao L 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They pick up 1000 mph. due to the rotation of the earth.
2006-12-13 12:06:52 · answer #6 · answered by JOHNNIE B 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Didn't know they always were but I'ld have to say so they don't have to fight the jet stream and so the rocket boosters and external fuel tank fall into the ocean and not on someones house.
2006-12-13 10:34:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
the intent is to shorten its traveltime and to have more stability against earth rotation. besides, increased in velocity
2006-12-13 10:37:08 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
To take them over the ocean in case they must abort the flight.
2006-12-13 10:33:17 · answer #9 · answered by Michael B 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it has some relation with the rotation of earth.
2006-12-14 01:27:58 · answer #10 · answered by PVash 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋